Subject. The article addresses the industry of unmanned aircraft systems in Russia in the context of building technological leadership capacity and increasing the effectiveness of government support. Objectives. The study aims at identifying the key problems in the formation of unmanned aircraft systems industry in Russia and justifying the need to move from direct to indirect government support measures to prevent opportunistic behavior of market participants. Methods. The study employs our developed conceptual model as the main method, where the market and the State are considered as two interrelated contours. The analysis is based on regulatory documents, strategic programs, and existing support mechanisms. Results. The paper unveils systemic risks associated with the predominance of direct government support measures, analyzes potential consequences of increased government participation, and offers directions for incentive policy reorientation. Conclusions. Excessive focus on direct support poses risks of reducing the motivation to innovate. Sustainable development of the industry necessitates strengthening the institutional design, i.e. transition to indirect incentives, creating conditions for market demand formation, and balancing the role of the State as a regulator and market participant.
Keywords: unmanned aircraft, unmanned aircraft system, government support, conceptual model, high-tech industry
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